Nemo Mettler, aka Nemo, was born 24 years ago in Bienne, Switzerland. In 2023 he declared himself a non-binary person. Then he won with The Code the Eurovision Song Contest. And today he explains to Repubblica what has changed after the triumph: «On the one hand it has changed a lot, because not a day goes by that I don’t receive requests for meetings, interviews, concerts. I never stop. My work team has increased and the project has also evolved a lot. In other ways, however, I’m the same Nemo as always, I’m having a wonderful time here in Berlin, even if I go back and forth with Zurich.”
The non-binary choice
Nemo talks about his choice as a non-binary person: «For me it was very important, I always want authenticity in everything I do but this time I was talking about myself and my life. I seek the freedom to behave however I want and not have to follow a rule just to please others. Having created a space in which I could express myself was very important and I believe it was important on a very broad level also for those who were able to follow my performance at Eurovision. In that moment I believe I demonstrated that being yourself is not only something right but necessary. I hope I’ve pushed non-binary people to realize this. And, to others, the idea that no one can afford to question it. Being able to use that stage to affirm this right was a great honor.”
The nauseating skirt
Then she responds to General Vannacci, who judged her choice to go up on stage with her skirt as nauseating: «I really don’t know what to think of a judgment like this. I would like to ask this person a question in turn and ask him how a piece of fabric, a certain way of dressing or decorating his nails can disturb him so much. It’s hard for me to understand how any of this could frighten or nauseate anyone.” Finally: «I am for freedom: do you want to smoke a cigar because it makes you feel more macho? You can do it. I believe that a world that is more respectful of the freedom of others would be a better world to live in. We will get there, through understanding, but it will take time. Talking about it is important and having won Eurovision as a non-binary person gives me the opportunity of a huge audience.”
